Artwork
H Beard Print Collection
H Beard Print Collection is a print by the Romanticist artist Robert S.E. Gallon. It dates from 15 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This 1847 print presents a portrait of the celebrated 19th‑century contralto Marietta Alboni.
About this work
Overview
This 1847 print presents a portrait of the celebrated 19th‑century contralto Marietta Alboni. Produced as a single‑sheet image, it was issued by the London publisher E. Sidebetham, a firm known for distributing musical and theatrical likenesses during the period.
Subject & Meaning
The work captures Alboni in a poised stance, emphasizing her status as a leading operatic figure of her era. By foregrounding her visage and attire, the print serves both as a visual record of her public persona and as a promotional image for her performances.
History & Provenance
Printed in 1847, the image emerged at the height of Alboni's international career, coinciding with her tours across Europe and the United States. The involvement of E. Sidebetham situates the piece within the broader market of mid‑century music publishing, where portrait prints were circulated among patrons and admirers.
Artist & collection
Artist
Robert S.E. Gallon made hand-colored prints that capture everyday scenes in a style that feels like a snapshot. In *H Beard Print Collection (15th December 1847)*, you see a bustling street scene from the 19th century,…
